Canon 600D vs M100

The Canon EOS 600D (called Canon T3i in some regions) and the Canon EOS M100 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively,
in February 2011 and August 2017. The 600D is a DSLR, while the M100 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 600D has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the M100 provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 600D and the
Canon EOS M100? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors,
their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 600D vs M100

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 600D and the Canon M100. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the 600D is
only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size,
the Canon M100 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Canon 600D. Moreover, the M100 is substantially lighter (47 percent) than the 600D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 600D nor the M100 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses
that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses
in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the 600D gets 440 shots out of its LP-E8 battery,
while the M100 can take 295 images on a single charge of its LP-E12 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left
arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and
make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The M100 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 17 percent) than the 600D, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Canon 600D vs M100

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor
(sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras
that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the M100 offers a higher
resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 17.9 MP of the 600D.
This megapixels advantage translates into a 16 percent gain in linear resolution.
On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the M100 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel
(with a pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 4.31μm for the 600D). However, it should be noted that the M100 is much more recent (by 6 years and 6 months) than the 600D, and its sensor
will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The M100 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 600D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800.
The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS M100 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the M100 offers substantially better image quality than the 600D (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

Camera Model

Sensor Class

Resolution (MP)

Horiz. Pixels

Vert. Pixels

Video Format

DXO Portrait

DXO Landscape

DXO Sports

DXO Overall

Camera Model

Canon 600D»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

22.1

11.5

793

65

Canon 600D

Canon M100«

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

23.5

12.9

1272

78

Canon M100

Canon 77D«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

23.6

13.3

971

78

Canon 77D

Canon G9 X Mark II«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

21.9

12.5

522

65

Canon G9 X Mark II

Canon SL2«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

23.6

13.4

1041

79

Canon SL2

Canon M5«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

23.4

12.4

1262

77

Canon M5

Canon 760D«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/30p

22.6

12.0

915

70

Canon 760D

Canon M3«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/30p

22.8

11.8

1169

72

Canon M3

Canon M10«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

22.2

11.4

753

65

Canon M10

Canon 1200D«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

21.9

11.3

724

63

Canon 1200D

Canon 100D«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

21.8

11.3

843

63

Canon 100D

Canon 700D«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

21.7

11.2

681

61

Canon 700D

Canon 650D«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

21.7

11.2

722

62

Canon 650D

Canon M«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

22.1

11.2

827

65

Canon M

Canon 1100D«»

APS-C

12.2

4272

2848

720/30p

21.9

11.0

755

62

Canon 1100D

Canon 550D«»

APS-C

17.9

5184

3456

1080/30p

22.1

11.5

784

66

Canon 550D

Canon 500D«»

APS-C

15.1

4752

3168

1080/20p

21.7

11.5

663

63

Canon 500D

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the M100 provides a faster frame rate than the 600D. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the 600D is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon 600D vs M100

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 600D has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight.
In contrast, the M100 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 600D and Canon M100 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

Camera Model

Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots)

Control Panel (yes/no)

LCD Size (inch)

LCD Resolution ('000 dots)

LCD Attach- ment

Touch Screen (yes/no)

Mech Shutter Speed

Shutter Flaps (1/sec)

Built-in Flash (yes/no)

Built-in Image Stab

Camera Model

Canon 600D»

optical

n

3.0

1040

swivel

n

1/4000s

3.7

Y

n

Canon 600D

Canon M100«

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

1/4000s

6.1

Y

n

Canon M100

Canon 77D«»

optical

Y

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/4000s

6.0

Y

n

Canon 77D

Canon G9 X Mark II«»

-

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

1/2000s

8.2

Y

Y

Canon G9 X Mark II

Canon SL2«»

optical

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Canon SL2

Canon M5«»

2360

n

3.2

1620

tilting

Y

1/4000s

9.0

Y

n

Canon M5

Canon 760D«»

optical

Y

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Canon 760D

Canon M3«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

1/4000s

4.2

Y

n

Canon M3

Canon M10«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

1/4000s

4.6

Y

n

Canon M10

Canon 1200D«»

optical

n

3.0

460

fixed

n

1/4000s

3.0

Y

n

Canon 1200D

Canon 100D«»

optical

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

1/4000s

4.9

Y

n

Canon 100D

Canon 700D«»

optical

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Canon 700D

Canon 650D«»

optical

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Canon 650D

Canon M«»

-

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

1/4000s

4.3

n

n

Canon M

Canon 1100D«»

optical

n

2.7

230

fixed

n

1/4000s

3.0

Y

n

Canon 1100D

Canon 550D«»

optical

n

3.0

1040

fixed

n

1/4000s

3.7

Y

n

Canon 550D

Canon 500D«»

optical

n

3.0

920

fixed

n

1/4000s

3.4

Y

n

Canon 500D

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The M100
has a touchscreen, while the 600D has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example,
for setting the focus point.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly
appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 600D and the M100 write their files to SDXC cards. The M100 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 600D cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison: Canon 600D vs M100

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 600D and Canon EOS M100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model

Hotshoe Port

Internal Microphone

Internal Speaker

Microphone Port

Headphone Port

HDMI Port

USB Type

WiFi Support

NFC Support

Bluetooth Support

Camera Model

Canon 600D»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 600D

Canon M100«

-

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Canon M100

Canon 77D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Canon 77D

Canon G9 X Mark II«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Canon G9 X Mark II

Canon SL2«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Canon SL2

Canon M5«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Canon M5

Canon 760D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon 760D

Canon M3«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon M3

Canon M10«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon M10

Canon 1200D«»

Y

mono

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 1200D

Canon 100D«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 100D

Canon 700D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 700D

Canon 650D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 650D

Canon M«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon M

Canon 1100D«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 1100D

Canon 550D«»

Y

stereo

-

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 550D

Canon 500D«»

Y

mono

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 500D

It is notable that the 600D has a hotshoe, while the M100 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily
attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The M100 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon.
In contrast, the 600D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 600D was succeeded by the Canon 650D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary: Canon 600D vs M100

So how do things add up? Is the Canon 600D better than the Canon M100 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon EOS 600D:

Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.

Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image framing and settings control.

More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.

Longer lasting: Can take more shots (440 versus 295) on a single battery charge.

Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.

More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2011).

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS M100:

More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 16%.

Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.

More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (17 percent cheaper at launch).

More modern: Reflects 6 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 600D launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M100 is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges
from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera
is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 600D and the M100 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews: Canon 600D vs M100

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge,
reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.